Rugby star Austin Healey joins ESPN

ESPN has signed rugby legend Austin Healey as an expert contributor for its Guinness Premiership presentation team.

From September 2010, the former England international will provide in-depth analysis for ESPN's 43 live Guinness Premiership games each season.

As well as earning 51 caps for England, Healey has been a pitch-side analyst for the BBC's coverage of the 6 Nations tournament and presented The Big Tackle for ITV.

"I'm really looking forward to joining the ESPN team and going on a great journey around the country, showing our audience what the game of rugby at the highest level is all about," said Healey.

ESPN has also confirmed plans to start providing on-site coverage for many of its Guinness Premiership games via a custom-built set.

The on-location presentation team will provide pre and post-match discussion and analysis, with more details to follow in the coming months.

ESPN EMEA vice president of TV channels Jeroen Oerlemans said: "ESPN is committed to capturing the competitive atmosphere and fans of English club rugby, while being true to guiding principles of the sport. Our planned on-site studio presence is a reflection of that."

ESPN's Guinness Premiership deal includes exclusive coverage of the final and one of the two semi-finals, along with all highlights being shown on ESPN Scrum.